Protective garment for weightlifting

ABSTRACT

A garment for protection of a weightlifter from impact from or contact with a weight bar or barbell is provided. The garment may include one or more padding strip members on the anterior, dorsal, and/or top surfaces and positioned over those areas of a wearer&#39;s body contacted by a weight bar or barbell when performing certain lifts. A padding strip member may comprise a hollow member into which is placed a cushioning member configured to absorb or dissipate an impact. The outer surface of a padding strip member may be configured to prevent slippage while the bar or barbell is held in contact with the outer surface. The garment may be manufactured from one or more stretchable materials such that the garment fits snuggly against a wearer&#39;s body, and the one or more padding strip members are configured to allow for unimpeded movement while performing weightlifting or other exercise activities.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a protective garment forweightlifting activities and, more particularly, to a protective sportsbra for protecting certain areas of a wearer's body from injuriessustained from contact with a weightlifting bar or other such equipment.

BACKGROUND

Over the past several decades, weight training activities have evolvedto include more and faster repetitions as well as more complex movementsand lifts. While traditional weight lifting techniques and lifts arestill widely performed by both amateurs and professionals, the evolutionof weight training has seen the introduction of more movement,complexity, and a greater emphasis on cross-training that requirelifters to exhibit a greater range of motion and flexibility thantraditional techniques.

For example, in modern Olympic weightlifting, participants attempt amaximum-weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates with aclean and jerk lift. Execution of a clean and jerk lift generallyrequires two distinct movements. First, the lifter moves a barbell fromthe floor to a racked position across his or her deltoids and clavicles(the “clean”). Next, the lifter lifts the weight above his or her headuntil the arms are straight and the bar is stationary (the “jerk”).Because Olympic weightlifting tests a lifter's ballistic limits (i.e.,“explosive” strength), rather than simply testing the lifter's limitstrength, it is executed at a faster pace than other strength sports,and requires more mobility and a greater range of motion.

Other modern exercise routines emphasize cross-training and may combineelements of aerobics, gymnastics, and weight training. For example, theCrossFit® program by CrossFit, Inc., is a strength and conditioningprogram focused on muscle strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, andflexibility and features a hybrid of aerobic exercise, gymnastics, andOlympic weightlifting. Several of the weightlifting activities includemovements and lifts wherein the equipment makes contact, which at timesmay be frequent or severely impactful, with the participant's body, suchas:

-   -   Clean lift (the barbell(s) is/are lifted from the ground to a        “rack position” across the lifter's deltoids and/or clavicles);    -   Press lift (“jerk”) (the barbell(s) is/are moved from the “rack        position” to the overhead position. In some variants, the bar is        “jumped” off the body with a dipping and diving motion);    -   Bench Press (while lying in a horizontal position, the weight is        lowered to the chest, then pushed upwards until the arms are        straight);    -   Back Squat or Front Squat (with the barbell supported on the        upper back or in rack position across the deltoids/clavicles,        the lifter bends the knees until the hips are below the knees);        and    -   Thruster (a combination of a front squat and a push press        wherein the lifter begins with the barbell in the rack position,        squats, then stands, driving the barbell overhead).    -   Other lifts with the potential for injury may include the power        clean, the push (or “military”) press, and the split jerk.

As the evolution of weight training introduces new and increasinglycomplex lifts coupled with a wide variety of other activities, thepotential for injury also increases, particularly from sudden,prolonged, and/or repetitive contact with weightlifting equipment, suchas bars and barbells. In addition to superficial injuries, such asabrasions, cuts, and bruises, such activities can also result in otherinjuries, such as nerve injuries, muscle bruises, chipped, calloused, orbruised bones, and repetitive motion injuries. As the popularity ofweightlifting and other exercise programs incorporating weightliftingelements increases, there is therefore a compelling need to protectparticipants from such injuries, as existing garments lack cushioning inthe appropriate locations or, due to technological and/or designlimitations, do not allow for the range of motion that modern weighttraining demands. For example, some participants in weight training orcross training may elect to wear “football” shirts in an attempt toprotect themselves from injuries resulting from sudden, prolonged, orrepeated contact with weightlifting bars/equipment. However, suchgarments provide inadequate coverage and are designed for use underneathfootball pads. Other currently available products include jackets orother such loose-fitting garments that include pads covering largeportions of the chest and/or upper back. However, such garments areconfigured to prevent surface injuries only, and the loose-fittingnature of the product coupled with the bulkiness of the padding makesthem ill-suited for modern weightlifting and cross-training activities,and may actually result in additional injuries if used in suchactivities. Additionally, such currently available products include gapsor other such spaces between paddings in which weight bars or barbellsmay become caught or lodged, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Additionally, the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries haveseen a substantial increase in female participation in both collegiateand professional sports, including weight-training activities. As thecompetitive nature and popularity of such weightlifting and otherexercise programs incorporating aerobic and wright training continues togrow, there is a particular need to protect female participants from theaforementioned injuries, since existing sports bras and other suchgarments lack cushioning in the appropriate locations or, due totechnological and/or design limitations, do not allow for the range ofmotion demanded by modern wright training. To compensate for suchlimitations, some women engaging in weight training elect to wearsweatchirts or other such garments in an attempt to cushion themselvesfrom sudden, prolonged, or repeated contact with weightliftingbars/equipment. However, such garments provide inadequate cushioning andcould result in overheating/heat-related illnesses. Other productscurrently available that include cushion components are not specificallydesigned for women and/or are ill-suited for modern weightlifting and/orcross-training activities.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a garment for weightlifting that notonly allows the wearer to exhibit the requisite range of motion andflexibility demanded by modern weightlifting and cross-trainingexercises, but also provides adequate cushioning and protection as toprevent injury resulting from sudden, prolonged, and/or repeated contactwith weightlifting equipment. More particularly, it is desirable to havea sports-bra for weightlifting that is specifically configured forfemale lifters that allows the uninhibited range of motion andflexibility required by modern weightlifting and cross-trainingactivities and also includes adequate cushioning and protection toprevent injury to the upper body of the lifter from sudden, prolonged,and/or repeated contact with weightlifting equipment.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a garmentis provided for protection of a weightlifter from sudden, prolonged, orrepetitive contact with a weight bar or barbell while performing certainlifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front pushpress, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, a backsquat, a back push press, and a back split jerk, or other such lifts.The garment may include one or more padding strip members on theanterior, dorsal, and/or top surfaces of the garment positioned as tocover the areas of a wearer's body that may be contacted by a weight baror barbell when performing the aforementioned lifts, or other suchlifts. A padding strip member may be a hollow member that includes acushioning member placed inside thereof. The cushioning member mayinclude a foam, a gel, a rubber, or any other such material configuredto absorb or otherwise dissipate an impact. The outer surface of thepadding strip member may be a material selected to create sufficientfriction upon contact with a weight bar or barbell to prevent slippageor other such movement when the bar or barbell is held in contact withthe padding strip member. The garment may be made of one or morestretchable materials to allow for a snug fit against a wearer's body,and the width and thickness of each of the one or more padding stripmembers may be selected as to allow for unimpeded movement while thewearer is performing weightlifting, aerobic, gymnastic, cross-training,or other such activities. According to certain exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, the garment may be a sports bra configured toprotect a female weightlifter from sudden, prolonged, or repetitivecontact with a weight boar or barbell while performing certain lifts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an anterior view of the human muscular system showing pointsof impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 2 is an anterior abdominal view of the human skeletal systemshowing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certainweightlifting lifts.

FIG. 3 is an anterior view of a human shoulder joint showing points ofimpact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 4 is an anterior abdominal view of certain portions of the humannervous and circulatory systems showing points of impact of a weight barwhen performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIGS. 5 and 5 a are dorsal views of the human muscular system and ahuman shoulder joint, respectively, showing points of impact of a weightbar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal view of the human skeletal system showing points ofimpact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the human spinal column showing points ofimpact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 8 is an anterior view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a dorsal view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an anterior view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a dorsal view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a protective garment for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an anterior view of a protective bra for weightliftingaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a dorsal view of a protective bra for weightlifting accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a protective bra for weightlifting according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A protective garment for weightlifting is provided that protects awearer from injuries resulting from contact with a weight bar or barbellwhile the wearer is performing weightlifting lifts. The garment mayprovide the desired protection without affecting the range of motion ofthe wearer required by modern weightlifting and cross training routines.Also, the garment may be configured to prevent slippage or other suchmovement of a weight bar or barbell when held in contact with thegarment when the wearer is performing weightlifting lifts or otherexercise activities.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there isshown an anterior view of the human muscular system 100 showing impactareas 105 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter whileperforming certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a frontsquat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift,and a thruster. In addition to superficial injuries, such as cuts,abrasions, and bruises, sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts bya weight bar or barbell at impact areas 105 may result in muscle bruisesin the impact areas 105. Even if certain lifts are not particularlyimpactful, such as a front squat, they may nevertheless may result inmuscle bruising due to the pressure of the weight bar or barbell onimpact areas 105. Muscle bruises may negatively affect muscle growththerefore increasing the likelihood of muscle tears. As illustrated inFIG. 1, impact areas 105 may impact the following muscles: thetrapezius, the cervical fascia, the sternocleidomastoid, the pectoralismajor (sternal head), the pectoralis major (clavicular head), thedeltoid, and the deltopectoral triangle.

FIG. 2 shows an anterior abdominal view of the human skeletal system 200showing impact areas 205 where a weight bar or barbell may impact aweightlifter while performing certain lifts, which may include a powerclean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a splitjerk, a press lift, a thruster, and other similar lifts. Sudden,prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell atimpact areas 205 may result in chipped, calloused, bruised, or fracturedbones. As illustrated in FIG. 2, impact areas 205 may affect thefollowing bones: the clavicle, the coracoid, and the humeral head.Certain lifts, such as a bench press, may affect the sternum andsurrounding areas. Even lower impact lifts, such as the front squat, maycause excessive pressure to the bones of impact areas 205.

FIG. 3 shows an anterior view of a human shoulder joint 300 showingimpact areas 305 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifterwhile performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, afront squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a presslift, a thruster, and other similar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 3,sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbellat impact areas 305 may result in injury to the following structures:the acromion, the acromioclavicular joint, the clavicle, the bursa, thedeltopectoral triangle, the deltoid muscle, and the deltoid branch ofthe thoracoacromial artery. A power clean lift may present a particularrisk of damage to the acromioclavicular joint and the bursa.

FIG. 4 shows an anterior abdominal view of certain portions of the humannervous and circulatory systems 400 showing impact areas 405 where aweight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter while performing certainlifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front pushpress, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, and othersimilar lifts. As illustrate in FIG. 4, sudden, prolonged, and/orrepetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 405 mayresult in injury to the following structures: the cephalic vein, theaxillary vein and artery, the supraclavicular nerves, the suprascapularnerve, the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, the lateral, posterior,and the medial cords of the brachial plexus. During certain lifts, suchas the front squat, the additional pressure from the weight bar orbarbell to the impact areas 405 can potentially damage theaforementioned structures.

FIGS. 5 and 5 a are dorsal views of the human muscular system and adorsal view of a human shoulder joint, respectively, showing points ofimpact 505 of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting liftsbehind the neck, which may include a back squat, a back push press, aback split jerk, and other similar lifts. While, certain lifts, such asa back squat, are not as impactful as other lifts, the prolonged weightof the bar resting on impact areas 505 puts a great amount of pressureupon the underlying anatomical structures, and may result in injury. Inaddition to superficial injuries, such as cuts, abrasions, and bruises,sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbellat impact areas 505 may result in muscle bruises in the impact areas505. Muscle bruises may affect muscle growth therefore increasing thelikelihood of muscle tears. As illustrated in FIG. 5, impact areas 505may impact the following muscles: the trapezius, the posterior head, thelevator scapulae, the rhomboideus minor, the rhomboideus major, thesupraspinatus, and portions of the deltoid muscles. Further, asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5 a, impact areas 505 may further affect theacromion, the subacromial bursa, and the circumflex nerve.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal view of the human skeletal system showing points ofimpact 605 while performing certain weightlifting lifts, which mayinclude a back squat, a back push press, a back split jerk, and othersimilar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 6, sudden or prolonged impact toareas 605 may result in injuries, such as chips, bruises, and fractures,to the underlying skeletal structures, which may include the clavicle,the scapula, portions of the cervical vertebrae, and portions of thethoracic vertebrae. Sudden or prolonged impact to areas 605 may furtherresult in injuries to the acromion (visible in FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 is a side view of the human spinal column showing points ofimpact 705 while performing certain weightlifting lifts, which mayinclude a back squat, a back push press, a back split jerk, and othersimilar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 7, sudden or prolonged impact toareas 705 may result in injuries, such as chips, bruises, fractures, andvertebral disc damage, to the underlying spinal structures, which mayinclude portions of the cervical vertebrae and portions of the thoracicvertebrae.

FIG. 8 illustrates an anterior view of a protective garment 800 forweightlifting, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments, garment 800 may include an upperportion 805 and a lower portion 810 joined together at seam 815, whilecertain other embodiments of garment 800 may be formed of a singleseamless portion. In some embodiments, upper portion 805 may beconstructed from nylon, spandex, or any other such tight-fitting,stretchable fabric, while lower portion 810 may be constructed fromtempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, or any other suchmaterial or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heatfrom the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Garment 800 mayfurther include one or more padding strip members 830 positioned on thesurface of garment 800 such that padding strip members 830 protect awearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts.According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, oneor more padding strip members 830 may be positioned on an anteriorsurface of garment 800 such that padding strip members 830 and arepositioned over one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Garment 800 may befurther configured to fit snuggly against a wearer's body such thatwearer is unimpeded when performing weightlifting, cross-training,aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a paddingstrip member may include a hollow member configured to receive acushioning material within the space defined by the inner surface of thehollow member. The cushioning material may include a foam—such as aclosed cell foam, a rebond foam, and a polyurethane foam—a gel—such as aneoprene gel and a polyurethane gel—a rubber—such as a lycra rubber—orany other such material or combination thereof such that the paddingstrip member is configured to absorb an impact, such as from a weightbar, such that the impact is distributed throughout at least a portionof the volume of the padding strip member and the cushioning materialtherein, thereby protecting the underlying area from some or all of theforce of the impact. The width of a padding strip member may be selectedsuch as to provide sufficient width to accommodate the full width of abarbell or a weight bar, while remaining narrow enough such that awearer's movement is unimpeded while performing weightlifting,cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, the width of a paddingstrip member may be from about 2 cm to about 17 cm, while in otherembodiments the width of a padding strip member may be selectedaccording to the size, needs, or desires of the wearer. Similarly, thethickness of a padding strip member may be selected to providesufficient cushioning without garment 800 becoming cumbersome orotherwise impeding the movements of a wearer. In certain embodiments ofthe present invention, the thickness of a padding strip member may befrom about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.

In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the hollow member of apadding strip member may be manufactured from or coated with a materialconfigured to create sufficient friction with a weight bar or barbell incontact with the outer surface such that the bar or barbell does noteasily slip or otherwise suddenly alter position when held against apadding strip member 830. Such materials may include a polyvinylchloride coated fabric, an anti-slip rubber treated fabric, a silicongel dotted fabric, a rubber patched fabric, and other such materials.According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a paddingstrip member 830 may be attached to an outer surface of garment 800 viastitching, adhesive, or any other such method or material suitable ofpermanently attaching the padding strip member 830, and/or the hollowmember thereof, to garment 800. Further, in certain embodiments thepadding strip member 830 is completely formed, that is, the cushioningmember is placed within the hollow member, prior to attachment ofpadding strip member 830 to garment 800 such that the cushioning memberis permanently sealed within the hollow member.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention asillustrated in FIG. 8, garment 800 may have one or more padding stripmembers positioned about neck opening 825 to protect the upper chestarea of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a powerclean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a splitjerk, a press lift, a thruster, or any other such lift that would causea weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 105,205, 305, and 405, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper chestand underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures, asindicated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Garment 800 may further include one or moreadditional padding strip members 835 positioned about the outer edges ofarm openings 820 such that the padding strip member 835 is positionedover such impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as relating to the bones,muscles, nerves, and other areas of a wearer's shoulder, as indicated inFIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 9 is a dorsal view of a garment 800 for weightlifting according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments,padding strip member 830 may extend from the anterior surface of garment800 onto the dorsal surface of garment 800 to either side of neckopening 825 to protect the upper back, neck, and shoulder areas of awearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a back squat or anyother such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact orotherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby risking injury tothe wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones, nerves, andvascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Garment 800 mayfurther include one or more additional padding strip members 840positioned adjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 825 suchthat the padding strip member 840 is positioned over such impact areas605 and 705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracicvertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, paddingstrip member 840 may have an upper portion and a lower portion whereinthe lower portion may be attached to the dorsal surface of garment 800adjacent to neck opening 825 and centered about the centerline of neckopening 825. In such embodiments, the upper portion of padding stripmember 840 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neck hole825 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularly to thecervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, an upper portion ofpadding strip member 840 may be folded down either inside or outside ofneck opening 825. According to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, the width of padding strip member 830, 835, or 840 need notbe a uniform width, but may vary along the width of the padding stripmember 830, 835, or 840 as necessary to protect the underlyinganatomical structures or to conform with the contours of a wearer's bodyto provide comfort and unimpeded motion as the wearer performsweightlifting, cross-training, aerobic, gymnastic, or other suchactivities.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a garment 800 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention, each of padding strip members 830 may be a continuousstrip that extends from the anterior surface of garment 800 to thedorsal surface of garment 800 such that each of padding strip members830 passes over the top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area.Similarly, in certain embodiments each of padding strip members 835 maybe a continuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of garment800 to the dorsal surface of garment 800 about the upper circumferenceof arm openings 825 such that padding strip members 835 passes over thetop of a wearers shoulders. Thus, certain embodiments of the presentinvention may be configured to protect a wearer's upper shoulders, upperback, and neck area and the underlying anatomical structures, frominjuries caused by sudden or prolonged impact or other contact with aweight bar or barbell. In other embodiments, each of padding stripmembers 830 on the anterior surface of garment 800 may be separate anddistinct from each of padding strip members 830 on the dorsal surface ofgarment 800.

FIG. 11 shows an anterior view of a protective garment 900 forweightlifting according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. In certain embodiments, garment 900 may include anupper portion 905 and a lower portion 910 joined together at seam 915,while certain other embodiments of garment 900 may be formed of a singleseamless portion. In some embodiments, upper portion 905 may beconstructed from a 2-way stretch fabric, a 4-way stretch fabric, nylon,spandex, or any other such tight-fitting, stretchable fabric, whilelower portion 910 may be constructed from tempra-fiber, merino,polyester, bamboo fiber, a synthetic fiber having a high permeabilityand/or having at least one moisture wicking component, or any other suchmaterial or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heatfrom the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Garment 900 mayfurther include one or more padding strip members 930 positioned on thesurface of garment 900 such that padding strip members 930 protect awearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts.According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, oneor more padding strip members 930 may be positioned on an anteriorsurface of garment 900 such that padding strip member 930 is positionedover one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as illustratedin FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In some embodiments, the one ormore padding strip members 930 may be positioned over a portion of awearer's sternum in order to provide protection when performing certainlifts, such as a bench press. Garment 900 may be further configured tofit snuggly against a wearer's body such that wearer is unimpeded whenperforming weightlifting, cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or othersuch activities.

FIG. 12 is a dorsal view of a garment 900 for weightlifting according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments,one or more padding strip members 930 may extend from the anteriorsurface of garment 900 onto the dorsal surface of garment 900 to eitherside of neck opening 925 to protect the upper back, shoulders, and neckareas of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a backsquat or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell toimpact or otherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby riskinginjury to the wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones,nerves, and vascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Garment900 may further include one or more additional padding strip members 935positioned adjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 925 suchthat the padding strip member 935 is positioned over such impact areas605 and 705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracicvertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, paddingstrip member 935 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neckhole 925 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularly tothe cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, padding stripmember 935 may be folded down either inside or outside of neck opening925. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, thewidth of padding strip member 930, or 935 need not be a uniform width,but may vary along the width of the padding strip member 930 or 935 asnecessary to protect the underlying anatomical structures or to conformwith the contours of a wearer's body to provide comfort and unimpededmotion as the wearer performs weightlifting, cross-training, aerobic,gymnastic, or other such activities. Further, embodiments of the presentinvention need not be limited to protecting impact areas 105, 205, 305,405, 505, 605, and 705 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, respectively, butmay be configured such that one or more padding strip member ispositioned to protect any desired area of a wearer's body. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 12, padding strip member 930 is configured toprotect the majority of a wearer's spinal column, extending down overthe user's lumbar vertebrae.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a garment 900 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention, padding strip member 930 may be a continuous stripthat extends from the anterior surface of garment 900 to the dorsalsurface of garment 900 such that padding strip member 930 passes overthe top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area. Thus, certainembodiments of the present invention may be configured to protect awearer's upper shoulders, upper back, and neck area and the underlyinganatomical structures, from injuries caused by sudden or prolongedimpact or other contact with a weight bar or barbell. In otherembodiments, padding strip member 930 on the anterior surface of garment900 may be separate and distinct from padding strip member 930 on thedorsal surface of garment 900.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, aprotective bra for weightlifting is provided that protects a wearer frominjuries resulting from contact with a weight bar or barbell while thewearing is performing weightlifting lifts. The bra may provide thedesired protection without affecting the range of motion of the wearerrequired by modern weightlifting and cross training routines. Also, thebra may be configured to prevent slippage or other such movement of aweight bar or barbell when held in contact with the bra when the weareris performing weightlifting lifts or other exercise activities.

FIG. 14 illustrates an anterior view of a protective bra 1400 forweightlifting, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments, bra 1400 may be formed of a singleseamless portion. In some embodiments, bra 1400 may be constructed fromnylon, spandex, or any other such tight-fitting, stretchable fabric, orfrom tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, or any other suchmaterial or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heatfrom the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Bra 1400 mayfurther include one or more padding strip members 1405 positioned on thesurface of bra 1400 such that padding strip members 1405 protect awearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts.According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, oneor more padding strip members 1405 may be positioned on an anteriorsurface of bra 1400 such that padding strip members 1405 and arepositioned over one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Bra 1400 may befurther configured to fit snuggly against a wearer's body such thatwearer is unimpeded when performing weightlifting, cross-training,aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities. Accordingly, thethickness of padding strip members 1405 may be selected to providesufficient cushioning without bra 1400 becoming cumbersome or otherwiseimpeding the movements of a wearer. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention, the thickness of padding strip members 1405 may befrom about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm. In certain embodiments, the outersurface of the hollow member of a padding strip member may bemanufactured from or coated with a material configured to createsufficient friction with a weight bar or barbell in contact with theouter surface such that the bar or barbell does not easily slip orotherwise suddenly alter position when held against a padding stripmember 1405. Such materials may include a polyvinyl chloride coatedfabric, an anti-slip rubber treated fabric, a silicon gel dotted fabric,a rubber patched fabric, and other such materials. According to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, a padding strip member1405 may be attached to an outer surface of bra 1400 via stitching,adhesive, or any other such method or material suitable of permanentlyattaching the padding strip member 1405, and/or the hollow memberthereof, to bra 1400. Further, in certain embodiments the padding stripmember 1405 is completely formed, that is, the cushioning member isplaced within the hollow member, prior to attachment of padding stripmember 1405 to bra 1400 such that the cushioning member is permanentlysealed within the hollow member. According to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention as illustrated in FIG. 14, bra 1400 may have oneor more padding strip members 1405 positioned about neck opening 1410 toprotect the upper chest area of a wearer while performing suchweightlifting lifts as a power clean lift, a front squat, a front pushpress, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, or anyother such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact orotherwise contact impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405, thereby riskinginjury to the wearer's upper chest and underlying muscles, bones,nerves, and vascular structures, as indicated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 15 is a dorsal view of a bra 1400 for weightlifting according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments,padding strip member 1405 may extend from the anterior surface of bra1400 onto the dorsal surface of bra 1400 to either side of neck opening1410 to protect the upper back, neck, and shoulder areas of a wearerwhile performing such weightlifting lifts as a back squat or any othersuch lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact orotherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby risking injury tothe wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones, nerves, andvascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Bra 1400 may furtherinclude one or more additional padding strip members 1415 positionedadjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 1410 such that thepadding strip member 1415 is positioned over such impact areas 605 and705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracicvertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, paddingstrip member 1415 may have an upper portion and a lower portion whereinthe lower portion may be attached to the dorsal surface of bra 1400adjacent to neck opening 1410 and centered about the centerline of neckopening 1410. In such embodiments, the upper portion of padding stripmember 1415 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neckopening 1410 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularlyto the cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, an upperportion of padding strip member 1415 may be folded down either inside oroutside of neck opening 1410. According to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, the width of padding strip member 1405 or 1415 neednot be a uniform width, but may vary along the width of the paddingstrip member 1405 or 1415 as necessary to protect the underlyinganatomical structures or to conform with the contours of a wearer's bodyto provide comfort and unimpeded motion as the wearer performsweightlifting, cross-training, aerobic, gymnastic, or other suchactivities.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of a bra 1400 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of thepresent invention, each of padding strip members 1405 may be acontinuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of bra 1400 tothe dorsal surface of bra 1400 such that each of padding strip members1405 passes over the top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area.Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention may be configured toprotect a wearer's upper shoulders, upper back, and neck area and theunderlying anatomical structures, from injuries caused by sudden orprolonged impact or other contact with a weight bar or barbell. In otherembodiments, each of padding strip members 1405 on the anterior surfaceof bra 1400 may be separate and distinct from each of padding stripmembers 1405 on the dorsal surface of bra 1400.

The protective garments for weightlifting presented herein as well asits attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoingdescription. It will be apparent that various changes may be made in theform, construction and arrangement of the parts thereof withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing allof its material advantages, the forms described herein being merelyexample embodiments of the invention. For example, certain embodimentsof the present invention may include sleeves, while others may besleeveless. Further, in some embodiments the one or more padding stripmembers may be permanently attached to a surface of the garment, whilein other embodiments the padding strip members, or the cushioningmembers contained therein, may be configured to be removable, such as toallow for easier cleaning of the garment. Additionally, embodiments ofthe present invention may be configured for users of differing skillsand/or levels of experience. For example, certain embodiments of thepresent invention, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, mayinclude additional padding strip members to accommodate novice usersrequiring extra protection due to lack of experience, lack of form, etc.Other embodiments of the present invention, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 10, may feature reduced padding strip members while stillprotecting a more experienced user from injury.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment, comprising: a bra member having ananterior surface, a dorsal surface, a neck opening, a first arm opening,and a second arm opening, and; a first padding strip member having afirst width, a first thickness, and a first volume, wherein the firstpadding strip member is configured to absorb a first impact having afirst force such that the first force is distributed throughout at leasta portion of the first volume, wherein the first padding strip member isattached to the shirt member such that it covers an area of the dorsalsurface, and wherein the garment is configured to fit snuggly against auser's body such that no loose portion thereof impedes the user'smotion.
 2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the first paddingstrip member comprises: a first hollow member having an outer surfaceand an inner surface defining a space; and a first cushioning material,wherein the first cushioning material is at least one of: a first foam,a first gel, and a first rubber, and wherein the first hollow member isconfigured to receive the first cushioning material within the spacedefined by the inner surface of the first hollow member.
 3. A garmentaccording to claim 2, wherein the first foam is at least one of: aclosed cell foam, a rebond foam, and a polyurethane foam, wherein thefirst gel is at least one of: a neoprene gel and a polyurethane gel, andwherein the first rubber is a lycra rubber.
 4. A garment according toclaim 3, wherein the first width is from about 2 cm to about 17 cm.
 5. Agarment according to claim 4, wherein the first thickness is from about0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.
 6. A garment according to claim 5, wherein firstpadding strip member is configured such that when the garment is worn bythe user, the first padding strip member is positioned over a portion ofat least one of: the user's cervical vertebrae at at least one of levelsC4 to C7, the user's occipital vertebrae at at least one of levels C2 toC7, and the user's thoracic vertebrae at at least one of levels T1 toT3.
 7. A garment according to claim 5, wherein the first padding stripmember is configured such that when the garment is worn by the user, thefirst padding strip member is positioned to absorb an impact from abarbell as the user performs a weightlifting lift.
 8. A garmentaccording to claim 7, wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of:a back squat, a back push press, and a back split jerk.
 9. A garmentaccording to claim 5, further comprising: a second padding strip memberhaving a second width, a second thickness, and a second volume, whereinthe first padding strip member is attached to the shirt member such thatit covers a first area of the anterior surface, and wherein the secondpadding strip member is attached to the shirt member such that it coversa second area of the anterior surface.
 10. A garment according to claim9, wherein the second padding strip member comprises: a second hollowmember having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a space;and a cushioning material, wherein the second cushioning material is atleast one of: a second foam, a second gel, and a second rubber, andwherein the second hollow member is configured to receive the secondcushioning material within the space defined by the inner surface of thesecond hollow member.
 11. A garment according to claim 10, wherein thesecond foam is at least one of: a closed cell foam, a rebond foam, and apolyurethane foam, wherein the second gel is at least one of: a neoprenegel and a polyurethane gel, and wherein the second rubber is a lycrarubber.
 12. A garment according to claim 11, wherein the second width isfrom about 2 cm to about 17 cm.
 13. A garment according to claim 12,wherein the second thickness is from about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.
 14. Agarment according to claim 13, wherein the first padding strip member isconfigured such that when the garment is worn by the user, the firstpadding strip member is positioned over a portion of at least one of:the user's left trapezius muscle, the user's left cervical fasciamuscle, the user's left pectoralis major (sternal head) muscle, theuser's left pectoralis major (clavicular head) muscle, the user's leftclavicle, the user's left cephalic vein, the user's left supraclavicularnerves, and wherein the second padding strip member is configured suchthat when the garment is worn by the user, the second padding stripmember is positioned over a portion of at least one of: the user's righttrapezius muscle, the user's right cervical fascia muscle, the user'sright pectoralis major (sternal head) muscle, the user's rightpectoralis major (clavicular head) muscle, the user's right clavicle,the user's right cephalic vein, and the user's right supraclavicularnerves.
 15. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the first paddingstrip member and the second padding strip member are positioned toabsorb a first impact and a second impact from a barbell as the userperforms a weightlifting lift.
 16. A garment according to claim 15,wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a front squat, afront push press, a split jerk, a press lift, and a thruster.
 17. Agarment, comprising: a bra member having an anterior surface and adorsal surface, a hollow member, and a cushioning material, wherein thehollow member is configured to receive the cushioning material, whereinthe garment is skin-tight when worn by a user, and wherein the hollowmember is attached to the anterior surface such that the cushioningmaterial absorbs an impact from a barbell as the user performs aweightlifting lift.
 18. A garment according to claim 17, wherein theweightlifting lift is at least one of: a power clean lift, a frontsquat, a front push press, a split jerk, a press lift, and a thruster.19. A garment according to claim 18, wherein the garment is made from atleast one of: a 2-way stretch fabric and a 4-way stretch fabric, atempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, and a synthetic fiberhaving at least one moisture wicking component.
 20. A garment accordingto claim 19, wherein the hollow member is attached to the dorsal surfacesuch that the cushioning member absorbs an impact from a barbell as theuser performs a weightlifting lift.
 21. A garment according to claim 20,wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a back squat, a backpush press, and a back split jerk.
 22. A garment according to claim 21,wherein the garment is made from at least one of: a 2-way stretch fabricand a 4-way stretch fabric, a tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboofiber, and a synthetic fiber having at least one moisture wickingcomponent.